Blood, Sex & Royalty

Blood, Sex & Royalty, the three-episode mini adaptation of Henry VIII-Anne Boleyn's story is a binge-watch. To be honest, I finished it all at once and totally enjoyed the flow. Netflix continues to add elements of drama into documentary, making it difficult to define its genre. Indeed it is a modern adaptation of a classical story, as shown in its characterization, lines, and background music. Although these innovations might offend some conventional historical drama lovers, the contemporary elements add modernism to the series.

Being one of the most legendary queens, Anne Boleyn's story has been told over and over again yet still captures the audience's attention. Netflix's adaptation selects the most splendid occasions of her short life and makes her narrate her story from her POV. Definitely, it is still a documentary with some authors and professors making comments at the proper time.

This time, Anne Boleyn is interpreted from a feminist perspective. The plot adds some dominant-submissive elements in it, with Anne trying to make the King of England follow her rules but prove to fail her ambition. Anne believes the whip is her instrument to tame a man, but indeed it is only a toy to please the arrogant King.

With her destiny dependant on the man's love other than her own power, Anne is doomed to fail. Even though Catherine is beloved by the people and have strong allies in Europe, she could not compete with Henry VIII's will. By contrast, Anne comes from a common aristocratic family, and her whole power comes from Henry VIII. Anne believes she is the heroine of a fairy tale and wins over the King's heart. Indeed, her untamed triggers the interest of an alpha man, protecting her from experiencing the destiny of a typical mistress like her sister Mary. However, her crown and relationship with Henry VIII are based on her promise of a male heir. Once she can not accomplish her promise, Henry VIII takes her life as the price.

I love documentaries about the tudor period but this one is far from good. Surroundings, furniture, hair and clothes that do not fit into the 16th century. The (modern) music is the most annoyable matter of this show. It is just as bad as Reign that I stopped watching because of the settings and the inappropriate music. Must be just like Reign a production for the American audience. It is very surprising that the most famous historians of Great Britain are part of this terrible show. There are much better documentaries than this one, for instance The Six Wifes of Henry VIII or King Henry VIII Man, Monarch, Monster etc.

As a history buff of course i watched this. Its worth noting this is fir entertainment rather than educational. The interviews with the historians are great but again remember this has been made for entertainment. Modern use of language and slang. It gives you the very basic bare bone facts but that's all. It's entertaining but that's it. Take it with a pinch of salt and do your own research. Queen Anne Boleyn is one of, if the the most interesting queen in history. An amazing woman who is often mis-represented in history. The actress was a good in the role as Anne, the other actors I didn't really take too. It's only 3 episodes long which in my opinion is far too short and they tried to cram in far too much into these episodes.

This is about Anne Boleyn. The second wife of Henry VIII of England. And how their romance became the reason why and how the Church of Ebgland was established. Though set up as a documentary with comment from history specialists and tough they have their facts right, the thing that bothers me most is the portrayal of events. Anne speaks to the vieuwer directly breaking the 4th wall, wich becomes amnoying. Furthermore the costuming is historically incorrect especially when the women aren't wearing headdresses. Anne is shown multiple times with her hair loose or simply tight back with a hairpin. She was famous for wearing the then fashionable 'French Hood'. With wich she is shown only once in this series. But also the Gable Hood was in vogue then and none of the ladies is wearing that Tudor style icon. It was regarded inappropiate for women to go in public with their hair uncovered. And Catherine of Aragon is yet again portrayed with darkbrown hair, when in reality she was a reddish blonde with blue eyes. It is something that is often done in series and films about the Tudors to emphazise that Catherine was from Spain.

Some reviewers are complaining that this docudrama has been altered for millennials. I would like to take this time to remind everyone that millennials are roughly 30 to 40 years old. Perhaps they're thinking of Gen Zer's.

That said, I would definitely agree that this series has been modernized. I certainly wasn't expecting to hear pop songs and newer slang. However, after an adjustment period, I rather enjoyed it.

I've read a lot of historical fiction and nonfiction about Henry VIII, Anne, and the other "characters" as well as watched movies, documentaries, etc. I very much appreciated hearing the tale told from Anne's POV, and if the modernization makes it more accessible to newer audiences, great. We already have so many traditional forms of this particular section of history; it was rather refreshing to see the creators try something different.

I also really liked the blend of re-enactments with the historians commentary. Overall, I believe this rendition humanized Anne much more than many others have.